Data Science for Public Policy Career Outcomes
The M.S. in Data Science for Public Policy (DSPP) prepares future leaders to use cutting-edge computational and statistical tools to improve domestic and international policy. Graduates build careers in data science, AI and tech policy, and data analysis across government, think tanks, nonprofits, international organizations and the private sector.
With unparalleled access in Washington, DC, a hub for policy careers and home to a thriving tech, data and AI scene, we offer a close-knit community where you will develop policy and technical skills, as well as connections to current and future leaders in the field. Whether you envision yourself shaping legislation on the Hill, influencing discourse in think tanks, driving change in non-profits, advising on AI and tech policy or navigating international policy, our program equips you for success.
Reddit AMA with the M.S. in Data Science for Public Policy Faculty Director
Join M.S. in Data Science for Public Policy Faculty Director Day Manoli for a Reddit Ask Me Anything on November 17, 2026, from 12-2 p.m. ET. Take the opportunity to ask any and all questions about this McCourt School program.
McCourt’s downtown home: connecting you to policymakers
McCourt’s world-class Capitol Campus provides an environment focused on access to community and connection in downtown DC, the heart of world politics and policymaking. Our prime location, just blocks from Capitol Hill and major public transportation hubs, puts you in proximity to policymakers and practitioners. McCourt hosts a full schedule of events and esteemed guest speakers to connect you with these potential future employers.
From classrooms to careers
Our DSPP graduates go on to successful careers in a variety of industries.
Top job titles
- Data Scientist
- Data Analyst
- Data Engineer
- Product Manager
- Consultant
Top occupations
- Data Scientists
- Social Science Research Assistants
- Management Analysts
- Database Administrators
- General and Operations Managers
Sample employers
- International Monetary Fund
- The World Bank
- U.S. Digital Corps
- United States Congress
Data science jobs in government
Federal, state and local agencies hire data scientists and public policy data analysts to evaluate programs, model policy impacts and modernize public services. Internships at organizations like the Congressional Budget Office, where DSPP students like Rebecca Wagner (MS-DSPP’26) have worked, offer a direct path into government data roles.
AI and tech policy careers
Washington, DC, is a center for AI policy jobs and tech policy jobs, from congressional offices and federal agencies to think tanks and technology companies. DSPP alumna Amelie D’Hers (DSPP’25) works on AI, privacy and emerging tech as part of a U.S. senator’s policy team. Students can also get involved with McCourt’s Tech & Public Policy Center.
Median advertised salary for data scientists in DC in 2025
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Unique job postings for policy analysts from January 2023 – July 2024
US Census Bureau, Bureau of Economic Analysis and Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“The U.S. Digital Corps fellowship is allowing me to bring the computational, analytical and data governance skills I developed in the program to bear on some of the critical issues facing children and families across the country.”
Alex Adams (DSPP’22)
Your on-ramp to success
The DSPP program offers a career lab in which students and faculty discuss strategies for finding internships and jobs. In addition, the Data Science in Action speaker series and other activities are excellent networking opportunities.
The Office of Career Development and Alumni Engagement seeks to empower students to make effective career choices by understanding how to leverage public policy education, skills and experiences to succeed.
Support provided
- Career Development Team
- Career Advising
- McCourt Connects
- Workshops
- Employer Events
- Hoya Gateway
- Internship Fund
Frequently asked questions
DSPP graduates work as data scientists, data analysts, data engineers, product managers and consultants. Sample employers include the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the U.S. Digital Corps, Google, the United States Congress, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the Urban Institute, Ernst & Young (EY), Microsoft, POLITICO, IBM Research, Capital One and Procter & Gamble.
The median salary for recent DSPP graduates is $103,200, based on alumni and Lightcast’s labor market intelligence data. The median advertised salary for data scientists in Washington, DC, was $132,200 in 2025 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Yes. DSPP pairs data science training with policy analysis and electives such as Policy Issues of Big Data & AI, preparing graduates for AI policy and tech policy roles in government, think tanks and industry.
Request more information
The need for policy makers who can use data to drive change is ever growing. Join us in the Master of Science in Data Science for Public Policy and hone your skills to expertly apply data science and AI to policy making.
Thank you for your interest in our program. Please complete this form and we‘ll contact you with more information.